Peace; it's something we desire and something the world desperately needs. Though we keenly desire it, peace is elusive. When was the last time you can say your were fully and truly at peace? I guess that on this side of eternity the truth is that there is always a restless and unquiet part of of minds, hearts, and souls. In a sense the more that we desire peace and notice its absence the more unsettled we are. For peace to be experienced it has to be more than just the absence of conflict in ourselves, between others, and between nations. Perhaps true and lasting peace was first lost to us when the first sin, original sin, was committed as it decoupled us from God.

And yet at the birth of Jesus the angels announce peace. It is in the incarnation and birth of Jesus, also in his life, death and resurrection that peace once again becomes a possibility in our lives. How do we know this? In Sunday's gospel freely offers to us His peace, a peace the world cannot give, a peace we cannot attain by our own efforts. So how do we attain this peace? By staying close to Jesus in word, prayer and sacrament. By living our lives using our Lord as a model for living. In these ways peace is attainable. In this broken world and our broken lives perhaps we will only experience it from time to time in moments of spiritual consolation. But be absolutely sure that we are invited to experience the fullness of peace in eternity if we choose to accept the invitation of salvation.

For now, Jesus tells us "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid". Be confident that by His cross and resurrection Jesus has opened the path to peace for us. Invite the peace of the risen Jesus into your life. 

As always, please be assured of my daily prayers for your needs and intentions.

Fr Chris